Albert Earl Helton, 80, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday (December 20, 2011) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville.

The son of Emery Earl and Mary Blanche (Wood) Helton, he was born April 4, 1931 in Youngstown, Missouri. On November 24, 1954 in Kirksville, Missouri, Albert was united in marriage to Donna Mulford.

Albert is survived by his wife Donna of fifty-seven years; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Terry Helton and Brad and Janette Helton all of Kirksville, MO; one daughter, Candy Helton of Columbia, MO; one brother and sister-in-law, Burnell and Frances Helton of Kirksville, MO; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary Mauck of Kirksville, MO and Treva and Jerry Byers of Ottumwa, IA; four grandchildren, Josh, Jonah, Caleb and Kinsey Helton, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

Albert was a lifelong resident of Adair County, graduating from Brashear High School with the Class of 1949. While in high school, Albert worked at Reesman Dairy. From 1954 to June of 1958, he was employed for Mitchell Dairy. In 1958, Albert went to work for Dabney Electric where he was employed a year. In 1959, Albert began employment for TH&N where he worked until retiring in 1993.

He took great pride in his gardening and woodworking skills.

He was a member of Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1751, V.F.W. Post 2508, American Legion and a member of Local #350 of IBEW.

Public visitation is in progress and family will receive friends this evening, Thursday (December 22, 2011) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m. Friday (December 23, 2011) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Reverend Dan Todd officiating. Interment with military rites will follow the service at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Roger Magruder, Dale McGlothlin, Charlie Beach, Harry Clubine, Jody Treasure and Mike Helton. Honorary bearers will be Andy Treasure, Bobby Kelsey and Herman Truitt.